Income Tax Return Filing: What to Do If You Miss the 30-Day E-Verification Deadline
Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) is an important responsibility for every taxpayer. But filing the return is only half the job done. The process is considered complete only after your return is e-verified within 30 days of submission. Many taxpayers miss this step due to lack of awareness, technical issues, or simple oversight.
If you have missed the 30-day e-verification deadline, don’t panic. The situation is fixable, and in most cases, you can still make things right by following the correct procedure. Let’s understand what happens and what you should do next.
Why Is E-Verification Important?
E-verification is the Income Tax Department’s way of confirming that you have personally filed the return. Without verification, your ITR is treated as invalid, meaning it is as good as not filed at all.
The 30-day time limit was introduced to speed up processing and reduce delays. If you fail to verify your return within this period, the department may reject it automatically.
What Happens If You Miss the 30-Day Deadline?
If your ITR is not verified within 30 days:
- Your return becomes invalid
- It is treated as not filed
- You may lose the benefit of refunds
- You may face late filing penalties
- Interest under Sections 234A, 234B, or 234C may apply
- Carry forward of losses may not be allowed
However, the Income Tax Department does provide a relief mechanism for genuine cases.
Can You Still E-Verify After 30 Days?
Yes, you can. The Income Tax portal allows you to submit a condonation request for delay in e-verification. If your reason is valid, the department may approve it and allow your return to be verified.
How to Submit a Condonation Request for Delay
Follow these simple steps:
- Log in to the Income Tax e-Filing portal
- Go to Services
- Click on Condonation Request
- Select Delay in submission of ITR-V
- Choose the relevant assessment year
- Provide a clear and genuine reason for missing the deadline
- Submit the request
Common acceptable reasons include medical emergencies, technical glitches, lack of awareness, or personal issues.
What Happens After Submitting the Request?
Once you submit the request:
- The Income Tax Department reviews your explanation
- If approved, you’ll receive a notification
- You will then be allowed to e-verify your ITR
- After verification, your return will be processed normally
Approval usually depends on how reasonable and honest your explanation is.
What If the Request Is Rejected?
If the condonation request is rejected:
- Your ITR will remain invalid
- You may need to file a fresh return, if allowed
- Late fees and penalties may apply
- Refund claims may be forfeited
This is why it’s important to provide a proper explanation and submit the request as soon as possible.
How to Avoid Missing the E-Verification Deadline in the Future
Here are a few practical tips to stay safe next time:
- Always e-verify immediately after filing your return
- Use Aadhaar OTP, net banking, or bank account verification
- Set reminders on your phone or email
- Regularly check your Income Tax portal notifications
- Keep your Aadhaar and mobile number updated
E-verification usually takes just a few minutes, but skipping it can lead to unnecessary stress.
Final Thoughts
Missing the 30-day e-verification deadline is a common mistake, especially for first-time filers. The good news is that the Income Tax Department provides a fair chance to correct it through a condonation request. Acting quickly and providing a genuine reason can save you from penalties and loss of benefits.